Photo Courtesy - Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- While it sounds as if the Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch is making progress in his battle with cancer, it would be premature to say he's overcome the disease. It seems some people misinterpreted comments made by Yauch's bandmate, Mike D, in a recent interview with BBC Radio 1. Mike D said Yauch was showing signs of improvement in his health, and added, "We're really happy about it." The interview spawned reports claiming Yauch is cancer-free.

Yauch clarified his current health condition in a statement released Friday. He said, "While I'm grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated. I'm continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future." Yauch was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, for which he underwent surgery.